Barely a year after its launch in the Philippines, the new-generation Isuzu D-Max made a strong showing by earning several industry honors locally, among them the Automobile of the Year award for 2021.
The Isuzu D-Max and mu-X outshone their rivals
The accolades were courtesy of online automotive video magazine Auto Focus, on the 2021-2022 edition of its People’s Choice and Media’s Choice Awards. These are part of the annual Automobile Industry Merit Program, initiated by Auto Focus through its production company Sunshine Television (STV).
Isuzu Philippines’ midsize pickup earned its first Standard Automobile of the Year (AOY) prize under the People’s Choice Awards, in an online ceremony held on December 16, 2021. The model was also feted for being the Standard Pickup of the Year, its fourth Model of the Year (MOY) award following a three-year winning streak between 2005 and 2007.
Engine performance was among the reasons motoring journalists praised the D-Max
Its platform twin, the mu-X midsize SUV, also managed to clinch the Standard SUV/Crossover of the Year, as voted by customers.
Meanwhile, the D-Max also unlocked more achievements through the Auto Focus Media’s Choice Awards, conferred by a select group of motoring media professionals and practitioners. It won in respective categories for Best Design, Best Engine Performance, and Best Value for Money.
“This year has seen new areas of action for Isuzu, highlighted by the much-anticipated launch of the all-new Isuzu D-Max and all-new Isuzu mu-X,” said Isuzu Philippines Corporation President Hajime Koso. “We at Isuzu are very grateful in receiving individual awards for both models as well as the prestigious Automobile of the Year award for 2021 for the D-Max.”
“We would like to extend our thanks to our loyal customers and Isuzu fans nationwide who have been very supportive of us throughout the years,” he added.
The D-Max has been busy reaping awards even overseas
These are so far the latest awards won by the third-generation Isuzu D-Max, which has already attained Best Pickup Truck, Best Workhorse Pickup, and Best Value Pickup of the Year honors from various industry bodies in the U.K.
Get more industry updates at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Isuzu D-Max 2024
The Isuzu D-Max 2025 is a 5-seater pickup truck that is available in several variants with various options for a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain. Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) is offering this truck at a price that ranges from Php 938,000 to Php 1,945,000. There are two engine options powering the D-Max. One is a 1.9-liter RZ4E-TC inline-4 turbodiesel engine that makes 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, while the other is a 3.0-liter 4JJ3-TCX inline-4 turbodiesel engine that delivers 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. Either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission can be paired to the said engines.
In terms of dimensions, the D-Max spans 5,277 mm in length, 1,880 mm in width, and 1,810 mm in height. It boasts a ground clearance rated at 240 mm, as well as a wheelbase of 3,125 mm. Some of the competitors of the Isuzu pickup truck in the Philippines are the Toyota Hilux, Nissan Navara, and Mazda BT-50.
>>> New and used Isuzu D-Max 2025 for sale in the Philippines
Isuzu D-Max Launch
Isuzu Philippines launched the new D-Max in March 2021. The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options.
In April 2023, Isuzu PH then brought in the facelifted model that carries a whole host of exterior changes.
As of now, the Isuzu D-Max 2025 Philippines is available in up to 12 variants.
Isuzu D-max Exterior
The facelifted 2024 Isuzu D-max features an all-new exterior design that now comes with a more aggressive and bolder appeal. The D-Max also retains its angular look which adds to the pickup truck’s overall muscular demeanor.
The top-spec 2024 D-Max LS-E variant gets a pair of sharp-looking LED headlights that are integrated with U-shaped daytime running lights. The D-Max’s grille was restyled, and it now comes in a two-tone black-colored finish, which allows the truck to have a more beefed-up appearance as compared to the older version. Lastly, the D-Max’s Philippines angular bumper comes with LED fog lamps.
Other new bits added to the 2025 model include grey-colored over-fenders, cargo extenders, and front bumper guards. It likewise gets a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels sporting a new design.
Isuzu D-max Interior
Inside, the 2025 Isuzu D-Max retains a refined more premium-looking than the old model. This is specifically seen in the top LS-E variant of the D-Max that comes with a two-tone interior theme of black and brown.
It also gets leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display. You can also see brown accents on the door panels, which gives the cabin a premium-looking appeal. Right at the center of the dashboard, you’ll see a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. Placed below it are tactile buttons for air climate control.
Technology & Safety Features
The 2025 Isuzu D-Max is equipped with a boatload of tech and safety features. First up, the 10.1-inch touchscreen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility. It also has a built-in navigation system. The said features are standard in almost all of the variants of the 2021 D-Max except for the Single Cab and LT variants.
In terms of safety, the top-spec 2025 D-Max trim is equipped with a total of seven airbags while the rest of the variants gets two. The D-Max LT, LS, LS-A, and LS-E get an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, and brake assist. On the other hand, it is only the LS, LS-A, and LS-E variants that feature electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and hill descent control.
The top-spec D-Max Philippines is the only variant equipped with the Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS), a tech that’s similar to Subaru’s EyeSight.
Platform & Chassis
The Isuzu D-Max comes with a double-wishbone suspension for the front and a leaf spring on the rear. In terms of braking power, the D-Max gets a ventilated disc for the front while a drum brake is on the rear.
Engine & Drivetrain
The brand offers the third-generation D-Max with a couple of engine and transmission options. The first option is a 1.9L turbo diesel that produces 148 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. For car buyers who are looking for more power, they can opt for the bigger mill, which is the 3.0L engine that pumps out 187 horsepower and 450 Nm of torque. These two engines are equipped with the brand’s BluePower technology for Euro 4 compliance and better fuel efficiency. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.
Available colors for the Isuzu D-Max Philippines are Valencia Orange, Splash White, Sapphire Blue, Onyx Black, Red Spinel, Galena Gray, and Mercury Silver.
The competition in the pickup truck segment in the Philippines is tight. But in terms of power, the Isuzu D-Max hasn't reached the 500 Club just yet unlike the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux. Regardless, the D-Max offers top-notch reliability and durability.
Isuzu D-Max 2025 Price List
Let's check out the Isuzu D-Max 2025 price in the Philippines.
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E Single Cab 4x2 MT | ₱938,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX RZ4E 4x2 LT MT | ₱1,048,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 Single Cab 4x4 MT | ₱1,178,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LT MT | ₱1,299,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT | ₱1,400,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A MT Plus | ₱1,440,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT | ₱1,470,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-A AT Plus | ₱1,510,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x2 LS-E AT | ₱1,695,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT | ₱1,710,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-A MT Plus | ₱1,750,000 |
| Isuzu D-MAX 3.0 4x4 LS-E AT | ₱1,945,000 |
Isuzu D-Max Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reliability and durability are expected
- Impressive 1.9-liter engine
- Rugged exterior design
- New wheels are better-looking compared to the old model's.
Cons
- Use of leaf spring can be an issue for some
Isuzu D-Max FAQs
1. How much is the Isuzu D-Max 2025 in the Philippines?
The price of Isuzu D-Max ranges from 938,000 Php for entry-level to 1,945,000 Php for top-of-the-line.
2. What is the ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max?
The ground clearance of the new Isuzu D-Max is 240mm.
3. Is Isuzu D-Max a Pickup truck?
Yes, D-Max is a Pickup truck.
4. Does Isuzu D-Max have a reverse camera?
Yes, it does. With the reverse camera, you can see what is behind the car on the screen.
5. What is the Wheelbase of Isuzu D-Max Philippines?
Wheelbase of D-Max is 3,125 mm.
₱ 917,000 - ₱ 1,905,000
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